Mexico’s President Calls for Calm as ICE Protests Escalate in Los Angeles

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has addressed the recent wave of unrest in Los Angeles, where protests erupted following a series of ICE enforcement actions targeting undocumented immigrants, including many with criminal records. In her remarks, Sheinbaum condemned the violence while reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad through diplomatic and legal means.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum made it clear that her administration does not condone violence in any form, even in the face of what many see as heavy-handed immigration enforcement by the U.S. government.

“We do not agree with violent actions as a form of protest,” Sheinbaum said. “Burning police vehicles or attacking officers is not resistance—it is provocation. We condemn all violence, regardless of who commits it. We urge our Mexican brothers and sisters in the U.S. to demonstrate peacefully and avoid being drawn into confrontations.”

Over the weekend, tensions reached a boiling point in Los Angeles as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out raids that reportedly led to the detention of hundreds of undocumented immigrants. Some demonstrations escalated into violent clashes, prompting concern from both U.S. officials and international observers.

President Sheinbaum noted that Mexico’s consular network in the U.S. had been mobilized to provide legal assistance and ensure the due process rights of detained Mexican nationals are protected.

“Consular staff are in communication with the 35 Mexican citizens currently detained in connection with the protests and enforcement actions,” she stated. “Our priority is to ensure they are treated with dignity, that they have access to legal resources, and that their families are informed and supported.”

Sheinbaum took a moment to recognize the deep roots of the Mexican community in Los Angeles, describing them as hardworking individuals who have played a key role in shaping the city’s identity.

“Mexican immigrants are not criminals,” she said. “They are honest, hardworking men and women who left their homes in search of a better life. Los Angeles would not be the city it is today without them.”

In a somewhat unexpected move, Sheinbaum extended an open invitation for Mexican nationals living in the United States to return to Mexico, assuring them that they are welcome and that support would be available for those who choose to repatriate.

At the same time, the Mexican government reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic engagement, signaling that it would continue to press the U.S. administration through official channels over concerns regarding the treatment of migrants and the criminalization of immigration.

“We will continue to use every legal and diplomatic tool at our disposal,” Sheinbaum said. “Our goal is to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of Mexicans living abroad—especially during moments of heightened risk like these.”

However, critics have pointed out an apparent contradiction in Sheinbaum’s statements, noting that Mexico has strict immigration laws of its own—though enforcement has been inconsistent. During recent years, millions of migrants from Central and South America have crossed Mexico’s southern border en route to the United States, often with little interference from Mexican authorities.

Adding to the complexity is the economic role of remittances sent by Mexican nationals living in the U.S., both legally and illegally. These financial transfers have become a vital component of Mexico’s economy, accounting for roughly 4.5% of the nation’s GDP and making up the largest single source of foreign income.

Meanwhile, on the U.S. side of the border, controversy swelled after California Democratic Rep. Norma Torres posted a video on TikTok during the protests, in which she bluntly told ICE to “get the f— out of LA.” The video drew swift condemnation from conservative figures and commentators who accused Torres of inciting hostility toward federal officers.

“This is a sitting member of Congress,” the influential Libs of TikTok account posted on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the video’s inflammatory tone.

Others followed suit, with conservative commentator Paul Szypula calling Torres “a complete lunatic,” and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung referring to the post as “demonic possession.” Influencers like Benny Johnson labeled the congresswoman “deranged,” while some political figures, including Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers, even called for her expulsion from Congress.

“She’s not just being reckless—she’s encouraging lawlessness,” one user posted, echoing a widespread belief among critics that elected officials should avoid language that could be seen as undermining law enforcement or encouraging violence.

Rep. Torres has not publicly responded to the backlash.

As the debate intensifies on both sides of the border, the situation underscores the deep divide over immigration policy, national identity, and the responsibilities of public officials during moments of civil unrest. What remains to be seen is whether calm will prevail—or if further clashes are on the horizon as both governments navigate one of the most polarizing issues in North American politics.